No cash? No problem! The market is now accepting credit and debit cards in addition to EBT cards. As of Saturday February 7th, the market will be accepting credit, debit and EBT cards in exchange for market tokens. Market tokens are available in $1 and $5 increments and can be used like cash at the market. A small $1 bank fee is associated with all credit and debit transactions.

Accepting EBT at the market helps us do our part to supply fresh local foods to all people in southern Illinois. Additionally, accepting EBT/SNAP at the market helps put local dollars back into the local economy. "Every $1 in new SNAP benefits spent can result in up to $1.80 in total economic activity. (1)" As the Illinois Farmers Market Associate reported, "Currently, roughly 1 out of 6 Illinoisans receives SNAP benefits, with monthly estimated SNAP redemption amounts at $270 million. Of this total, approximately 50% of the recipients are children. While there has been great success and increase in Link sales over the past six years, there is still more work to be done to provide Link customers with more healthy food options and access to local farmers and farmers markets in their communities.(1)"

Interested in finding out what other farmers markets accept EBT/Link cards? Check out this interactive map identifying DHS offices and participating farmers markets.https://mapsengine.google.com/map/u/0/viewer?mid=z6fezHi-7TuU.kIQ6sMHKiAX8